Tape-in Vs. Sew-in Hair, Which One Is Right For You?

Long hairstyles are so popular this year, making tape-in hair a hit among black girls. It's such a safe and quick way to lengthen and plump natural hair. So what is the difference between the traditional sew-in weave and tape-in extension, which way should you go for? If you also have this doubt, keep scrolling. The purpose of this article is to show you the differences and similarities between these two ways so that you can make a wise decision when choosing hair.
tape in vs sew in extensions

Similarities of tape-in hair and sew-in weave:

Natural in appearance:
Both tape-in human hair and sew-in weave can give a natural and voluminous hair look to the wearer. Just make sure the extensions you buy are made of 100% human hair ( Remy hair, Virgin hair). Human hair is more durable and realistic in appearance and touch than synthetic hair.
Versatile in styling:
Both tape-in hair extension and sew-in weave are versatile in styling. You can style your hair extensions as you would on your natural hair. It may seem that tape in hair extensions cannot be pulled into a high ponytail naturally. It's a myth. The secret to achieving a natural hairline is to leave some space around your hairline while applying tape-in hair extensions.
Require some upkeep:
Both tape-in extensions and sew-in weave require some upkeep so that they can last for a longer time and achieve a more realistic result. For example, you should avoid brushing your extensions when wet. And you'd better use a piece of silk scarf to wrap your hair extensions before going to bed. We have shared many tips and tricks about how to maintain tape-in hair in our previous post: Tape In Hair Extensions Frequently Asked Questions. Click to read more.
Damage-free:
With proper installation and care, both tape-in extension and sew-in weave never harm your natural hair. The two types of hair need no glue or heat to be installed, making them safer than other types of hair extensions. Both are gentle on sensitive scalps.
Reusable:
Both hair wefts for sew-in and tape-in extensions can be reused with proper maintenance and removal. TypicaTypically, tape-in extensions can be reused for 3-4 applications during their lifespan. And you just need to peel away the old tape and apply a piece of sticky tape to the tab. Make a deep condition regularly to keep the hair extensions in a healthy condition so that they can last for a longer time and be reusable for more applications.

Differences between tape-in hair and sew-in weave:

Sew-in weave is more secure and won't fall out:
It uses thread and needles to attach human hair to braided natural hair. With tape-in hair, the extensions are attached to your natural hair with a medical-grade adhesive. Tape-ins may fall out when getting wet frequently, but sew-ins will never fall out.
Sew-in hair provides a fuller appearance:
It is true that tape-in hair extensions do work to give the appearance of full, natural hair. But typically, to avoid bringing too much pressure on your natural hair and leading to hair loss, we don't suggest putting too many tape-in extensions on your head. Weaved hair provides a fuller look in the safest possible way.
Sew-in weave takes more time to install and remove:
Compared with tape-in extensions, sewing hair weaves typically takes longer to install and remove. That's also why the cost of sew-in weave service is much more expensive than tape-in extensions.
Sew-in hair lasts longer than tape-ins:
We highly suggest you take off your tape-in extensions to give your natural hair a break at least every 5-6 weeks. Cause constant taping can add extra pressure to your hair and lead to hair loss. While sew-in can last for up to 6-8 weeks with proper care.
Tape-in extensions are more budget-friendly:
To achieve the same full illusion, sew-in hair weaves cost more than tape-in hair extensions. Because sew-in weave takes more time to install. The cost of dressing tape-in hair typically ranges from $100-$200 while the installation service usually ranges from $100-$400. The price varies by the area you are in and the salon you go to.
Tape-in extensions require more maintenance:
This is because tape-in extensions are stuck to your natural hair, it's easy to get loose if you have oily natural hair or you wash your hair frequently. With tape-in hair extensions on, you may need to reinstall them every 5-6 weeks. But for sew-in weave, requires lower maintenance than tape-ins.

Tape-in hair vs. sew-in hair, which one is better for you?

Both tape-in extensions and sew-in weaves can give you a full and natural hair look in a safe way. As for which way is better for you, it depends more on your desire and your lifestyle, your budget, how long you expect your extensions to last, etc.

If you don't want to spend too much money and time installing hair extensions, tape-in hair should be a more affordable and time-saving option for you.

If you wish your hair extensions could stay on your head for a longer time and you don't want to visit the salon so frequently, sew-in weaves should be a better choice for you. If you have a plan to dive into the swimming pool or go on an adventure to the rainforest with hair extensions on your head, or you have oily natural hair, you'd better go for sew-in hair to avoid the embarrassment of slip-off.

We hope that this post will be helpful for you while you are choosing hair extensions. If you are also searching for high-quality human hair extensions for tape-in or sew-in, you are already in the right place. Click to explore the best hair for sew-in and tape-in human hair extensions at Elfin Hair. All our hair extensions are made with cuticle-aligned human hair, making them very natural in appearance and touch. They can be dyed or permed as you would on your natural hair. They can last up to one year and be reusable for several applications with proper care. Click to visit Elfin Hair.